Safe Driving Tips

Here are some important tips to help you have a safer driving experience.

Before driving a car, do a simple safety check. Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure that all lights are in working order. Also check your blinkers for proper operation. Look for any fluid leaks or things hanging from the vehicle. Check that the tires are properly inflated.

Drive with your headlights on, a car is visible for nearly 4 times the distance with its headlights on even during daytime hours.

When stopping at a stop sign, be sure to feel the car rock backward and spell S-T-O-P to yourself before proceeding. Always turn your head to look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding.

Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would do if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not stop.

When you re-fuel, check your oil and other fluid levels. Look for noticeable leaks throughout the engine compartment.

When traveling behind other vehicles, there should be at least a 4 second space between your vehicles. When the car in front of you passes a stationary object, slowly count to yourself. If you pass the object before the allotted time, you should back off. When traveling at night or inclement weather, these times should be doubled.

Don't talk on a cell phone while driving. Phones detract from your ability to concentrate on the road and increase your chance of a collision. If you must use the phone, pull over to a safe, well-lit parking lot and place your call there.

When leaving for an out of town trip, give an itinerary to someone back at home with the route of travel, approximate time of arrival and a contact number at your destination.If you deviate from this inform your at-home contact. If you are traveling a long distance, check in throughout the trip with current location and any changes in your route or times. If something were to happen, this information may be used to narrow the search.

As your speed increases so does your braking distance. If you double your speed, you quadruple your braking distance. If you double the weight of your vehicle, you double the stopping distance.

Carry in your vehicle, in an easy to find place, all contact numbers that you may need as well as Emergency contact information, personal information and any outstanding medical needs that you may have.

If you would like a free Auto File to help you organize important information for your car, please call or email us with your contact information and we will send it to you.

If you are in an accident, call Frank Cassisi, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 516.294.5050.